Law enforcement is a highly demanding job, both physically and mentally. All candidates are required to pass a rigorous medical exam (including treadmill EKG). Academy sponsorship candidates also participate in a Physical Ability Test, which includes a 1.5 mile run, push-ups, and sit-ups. For requirements and methods for preparing, refer to the Law Enforcement page.

Yes. Occasionally Field Training is expedited for candidates with experience. Candidates for Court Security Deputy participate in the Basic Recruit Training, with additional training at the Court House.

All candidates must have at least 2 years of college (60 credit hours), military or law enforcement related experience or any combination thereof, or two years of full-time law enforcement experience.

Additional requirements include:

H.S. or GED diploma

At least 20 years of age

U.S. Citizen

Valid drivers license for the last year and have no more than two moving violations over the past the past 3 years. No DUI convictions for the past 5 years. Other driving history will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Must not have been convicted of a felony. Must not have been convicted of a misdemeanor involving moral character, false statements, perjury or domestic violence.

Must never have received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States.

No illegal drug usage over the past 3 years. Other drug usage will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Yes, however, you must first complete the FDLE/ Equivalency-of-Training course. Law enforcement officers from the military or Puerto Rico may also be eligible. See the Careers/Out-of-state link on our website.

Every academy has the exact same FDLE curriculum and has similar FDLE testing pass rates. The OCSO sends all sponsorships to the academy at Criminal Justice Institute at Valencia College. We recruit and hire candidates from academies all over the state.

We receive thousands of applications for our civilian positions each year. We attempt to make contact with each candidate, so please check your emails periodically (remember to check your “junk” mail). All positions are very competitive.

The Orange County Sheriff's Office has a modern approach towards benefits. Not all employees have the same protection requirements. By design, our package allows individual tailoring to personal needs and desires. As circumstances change, our employees can modify their personalized program. Follow the below instructions to evaluate this state-of-the-art benefit package.

For more information, go to the top of this page and hover over Services. Under Human Resources Division, Select Employee / Retiree Benefits.